Reality check: how many liberal promises does it take to change a tanker law?

If you were surprised to read today’s Bloomberg News report that “Enbridge’s Gateway Resuscitated as Trudeau Wavers on Tankers”, you’re not alone.

Hasn’t the Prime Minister repeatedly promised Canadians that he would implement a legislated tanker ban off British Columbia’s north coast?

Well yes, yes he has. A number of times in fact:

December 7th, 2010: Justin Trudeau votes in favour of NDP motion to ban tankers off BC’s north coast. Entire Liberal caucus including the current Transport Minister and many other current cabinet members also voted for the ban.

April 1, 2015: Justin Trudeau votes in favour of NDP bill to legislate the tanker moratorium. The bill fails to pass but all Liberal MPs voted for the ban.

June 29, 2015: Justin Trudeau unveils environmental platform in a Vancouver pre-election event and includes promise to formalize the moratorium tanker traffic.

September 10, 2015: Justin Trudeau re-announces tanker ban at an election stop in West Vancouver.

November 13, 2015: Justin Trudeau orders cabinet to formalize the ban in the mandate letter given to his Transport Minister.

How can someone promise something so many times over so many years and then fail to stand by it when it comes time to follow through?

That’s the question Justin Trudeau now has to answer.

Canadians deserve better.